McARTHUR ASKS MINISTER TO SUPPORT SHEEP DAIRY
Member for Western Victoria Region, Bev McArthur used an adjournment debate in Parliament this week to ask the Minister for Agriculture to support a sheep milk enterprise near Inverleigh.
Mrs McArthur recently visited the site to meet with the management of the farm, to look at their existing sheep farming operations and plans to expand into sheep dairy farming.
Bev McArthur said “The high standards of operation and the appreciation shown for the animals was absolutely exemplary. For many years now the owners have worked with researchers—the University of Melbourne, Agriculture Victoria no less, Marcus Oldham College and many others at the cutting edge of animal care. Times change and industries change, and I support Murnong Farming being at the forefront of this next opportunity in agribusiness.”
“This is an exciting and important new agriculture business which some, like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Mr Meddick, would decry and spread unfounded negative myths about without any real knowledge of the subject.”
“Sheep dairying is a growing market with huge export potential to the Asian market given its lactose profile. The product is widely prized for its health benefits. Labour-led New Zealand are currently cornering this export market, and Australia should not miss an opportunity to compete due to the naysayers.”
“Murnong Farming are enterprising Inverleigh farmers of longstanding experience and wide repute. They are supported by neighbours. They know they can only survive by looking after their assets; productivity and animal happiness go hand in hand.”
“Animal welfare rules do not just protect animals; they outline acceptable practice and provide independent scientific assessment of the merits of agricultural processes. They do not enable an emotional and completely non-evidenced campaign to block legitimate business, and they should not.”
“I support the proponents of this farming venture who have worked closely with agricultural groups, educational groups and the regulators,” she concluded.
14 November 2019